Gloucester have today confirmed the signing of former Northampton Saints and Exeter Chiefs tighthead prop Alfie Petch.
The prop moves to Kingsholm following a stint with Biarritz in the French Pro D2.
Commenting on the move, Petch said: “I’m really excited to be heading back to England and joining a Club like Gloucester next season. It’s a new challenge for me and I want to really make my mark in Cherry & White.”
“It’s been great to experience rugby in France with Biarritz and I’m confident that I’m an even better player coming back into the Premiership.
Director of Rugby, George Skivington, also commented on the arrival of Petch.
“We’re really pleased to bring Alfie here to Kingsholm, he said. “He’s already had plenty of experience at Exeter, Northampton, Cornish Pirates and Biarritz, and he’s still got plenty of development left in him.”
“We’ve got a good group of props here and I’m looking forward to seeing that competition drive each other’s game forward.”
Petch rose through the ranks at Exeter Chiefs, whilst also representing England through the age groups. He also had a loan spell at Cornish Pirates in the Championship.
He moved to Franklin’s Gardens ahead of the 2022/2023 season, and made 21 appearances for the club during his spell.
Petch made the move to Biarritz during the World Cup as a medical joker.
The tighthead has also represented England U17, U18 and U20 in the past, and was a part of the U20 squad for the Junior World Championships in Argentina in 2019.
The move also points to an exit for Fraser Balmain. The prop is heavily linked with a move to Saracens, despite being under contract; but it now suggests the experienced prop is headed for the exit door.
